FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

In this section you will find the answers to the questions that most Film and TV Productions ask. We look forward to helping you create your Makeup and Hair Space as easily and cost effective as possible.

Q:

How do I decide which station is correct for me?

A:

Our Commercial and Professional models were design to fulfill different needs. Our Commercial Station is larger so that the artist can clearly see the subject through the mirror. The professional model was designed for artists who require even more portability and flexibility than the commercial station offers. The mirror is smaller however, so it gives the user less mirror real estate, but compensates by being able to place the Pro Station on more surfaces. For example you can fit it in a small bathroom, closet, or RV.

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Q:

Are the stations really “portable?”

A:

Our Portable Makeup Stations are lightweight, Commercial model – 35 lbs. The Commercial model has four wheels on the bottom so that you can roll them. Handles are included on three sides to make them easy to carry and lift. The stations also close into a convenient, stack-able box shape. The inside of the lid contains foam, protecting the mirror and lights, which allows the station to be transported in a car or truck.
Our stations require less than a one-minute setup time allowing the unit to be easily moved from location to location. Due to the bright lights, our Makeup Stations can provide adequate light even in a dark room and can be setup on virtually any flat surface that is stable and can hold at least 35lbs. You can even use the lid of the case as a makeshift tabletop provided you have something to support the lid underneath.

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Q:

Why different colors of light?

A:

Daylight and Tungsten are the two types of light that are used in the Film and Television industries. When applying makeup for film, the color and tone of the makeup applied can look drastically different on film if the artist is using poor lighting (or a color of light that is drastically different from the on set lighting) when the makeup is applied. In fact when applying makeup indoors and then going outdoors into sunlight, it is not uncommon for a line to appear as a threshold between the areas where makeup was applied and not applied. Our two light system covers both bases and allows you to toggle between both temperatures of light (or even combine them) so that the right makeup can be applied to the subject the first time.

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Q:

Is the color temperature of light important to hairdressers?

A:

Yes, especially when you are dealing with hair that has been colored or when putting on a wig. Depending on the color of light, matching a wig to a subject’s natural hair color can be difficult because it may look right indoors, but look completely wrong outdoors; or may look good outdoors, but look washed out indoors.

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Q:

Where are the stations manufactured?

A:

All of our Stations are hand-made in the United States in our workshop.

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Q:

Can they be shipped?

A:

Our makeup stations were designed for transportation in a car, van, or truck. If you wish to ship through a commercial carrier (FedEx, UPS, Delta, Etc.), the station will need to be shipped in a protective box with foam. This will ensure that the tubes and mirror will arrive safely at your destination. For more information, please check out our Shipping and Transportation page.

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Q:

Do the makeup stations work overseas?

A:

Rental makeup stations are built to work on 120volt (US) power. However, if requested, we can retrofit our stations for your country’s requirements.

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Q:

How do I set one up?

A:

Setting up: Place the portable makeup station on a table or other suitable surface with the back brace facing to the back. Extend the back brace away from the case until the scissor braces lock into place (You may have to push the scissor braces down to lock them) before the lid is removed.
Opening: Placing your index finger under the tail of one of the latches, pull upward on the tail to open the latch. All four latches are opened in the same manner. Remove the lid. An extension cord is stored in the lid to power the unit.
Power: First plug one end of the extension cord into the side of the station. Then plug the other end into a properly grounded 120volt power source. Make sure the cord is firmly seated.
Light Switches: The two switches are independent of each other and can be turned on separately or at the same time.
Power Outlets: The power outlets are not switched. Power is always on to the outlets once the station is plugged in.

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Q:

When should I use a portable makeup station?

A:

Portable Makeup Stations should be used whenever and wherever good portable lighting is desired for makeup and hair application. For example: on film sets, , photo shoots, commercial shoots, music videos, weddings, and retail sales.

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Q:

Can two commercial stations be used on one of CVA’s 6-foot tables?

A:

Technically two of our commercial stations would fit on a 6′ table, but there would not be enough room for other equipment. We always recommend that you use an 8″ table for our commercial stations